Holy and Eternal God, in this hour of study/worship, we pause pray for the election that is upcoming. You command us to pray for our leaders, so in faithfulness we offer this prayer on behalf of all those persons who are seeking office—on the local, state, and national levels.
First, we offer our gratitude for all those willing to subject themselves to the rigors of campaigning. The long days, extreme travel, and personal and family scrutiny are among the many reasons folks aren’t willing to run, so we are grateful you have inspired in these candidates a desire to serve.
While there are many races on the local levels, we pray especially for those persons in the most high-profile contest of all, the presidency of the United States. We ask your blessing upon Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump and their families during these final days of campaigning. Give them strength and wisdom, and a sense of your direction in their lives.
Give to us, as voters, a sense of your guidance as we select candidates. May we be guided, not by a sense of self-interest, but may we vote out of a desire to uplift and encourage all persons to reach their greatest potential—who you have created them to be.
O God, we know that wither Mrs. Clinton or Mr. Trump will prevail this Tuesday. We pray that the victor will exhibit grace and compassion for her or his opponent, and especially toward those who might have voted differently. Give to our president-elect a heart for justice on behalf of all people in our nation and world.
May we boldly and courageously speak up against those voices that would divide us, make us afraid, or intimidate us to follow our consciences in the voting booth. Regardless of the outcome this Tuesday, o Lord, grant to each of us a desire to do our part to heal our nation and grow in our hope and trust that your will be done in our own lives and in this world.
In the name of Jesus Christ, who taught us to pray saying,
Our Father, who art in Heaven…
Your kingdom come.
Your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And do not bring us to the time of trial,
but rescue us from the evil one.
For thine is the Kingdom, and the power,
and the glory forever. Amen.
Prayer by Daniel Glaze